If there's no washer and dryer in your home or apartment, you’ll most likely need to head to a laundromat to clean your clothing. Although it may seem tedious to make frequent trips, there are a few different steps you can take to make the process efficient and easy. Below are a few tips for the first trip.

What to Do Before Heading to the Laundromat

1. Prepare Laundry

Sort each load before going to the laundromat by color and delicacy. Sorting beforehand allows you to get in, grab a machine, and start washing laundry without wasting time picking through each item. Also, ensure that any stain treatments are done at home—not only does this save time, but you’ll also have less to carry in cleaning products.

2. Utilize Quiet Times

Avoid doing laundry during weekends when most people are free to catch up on their chores and errands. Save some time for this chore during the middle of a weekday, as the building will be less packed and there will be more machine options.

If you’re not sure how exactly to use the machines yet, going during a slow time will offer plenty of opportunities to ask employees questions and take your time without feeling rushed. 

3. Have Plenty of Quarters

Collect a pile of quarters beforehand and try to have exact change for each load of laundry. Most laundromats will have ATMs and change machines, but if time is your concern, this is one less step to complete.

4. Inspect the Machines

Look inside of the machine to ensure there’s nothing unsanitary left behind. Check for detergent residue or bleach smells that can ruin your clothing.

Quickly wipe down the surface with a rag and check that bleach dispensers are clear and dry. Also, check that no clothing was left behind from the previous user, and place lost garments in the lost and found.

5. Be Ready for Weather

Carry a large, unused garbage bag just in case the weather changes while you’re washing. After cleaning, drying, and folding the laundry, it would be unfortunate for a passing storm to ruin the freshly clean clothes. Cover the load with the bag to shield it from the rain and check the weather forecast before you decide on a laundry day. 

When you need a clean, high-quality laundromat in Dothan, AL, head to Park Coin Laundry. Open seven days a week, the location features low fees and ATMs on-site to make doing laundry affordable and convenient. Their high capacity machines also make each trip efficient. In addition to washing machines and dryers for use, they have a drop-off and folding service completed by their professional team. Call (334) 678-0800 for more on their services or visit them online for reviews from past customers.